Observations:

July 2017 – Hellebuyck will return to the Jets for the 2017-18 season after inking a one-year, $2.25-million contract extension. The 24-year-old won 26 of his 56 appearances for the Jets last season and posted a 2.89 GAA and .907 SV%. Hellebuyck's future in Winnipeg seems a bit murky after the team signed veteran Steve Mason to a two-year contract this summer, adding to an already crowded crease that also includes Michael Hutchinson. – Jamie Zadow
 

May 2017 – In another case of rushing a youngster to the NHL, Winnipeg used Connor Hellebuyck in the NHL all season. After some early growing pains, he was able to right the ship on the way to 56 appearances as the team’s starter to finish with a 2.89 GAA in his first full season as a pro. Many forget Hellebuyck is still very young at 23-years-old, where most goaltenders take longer to develop their pro games, so he’s off to a good start, but still needs to develop a little more consistency. – David Dickenson

October 2016 – The Jets surprised some by placing veteran goalie Ondrej Pavelec on waivers, and stating their intention to go with the tandem of Michael Hutchinson and Hellebuyck as their NHL goaltenders this season. Hellebuyck could see starter's minutes with the Jets. – David Dickenson

September 2016 – The big American goalie took advantage of injuries last season to show he could hack it in the NHL amassed a stellar 2.35 GAA in 26 games with the Jets. Helleybuyck should fit into the Jets plans sooner rather then later. – David Dickenson

April 2016 – Connor Hellebuyck excelled at times in his second professional season, splitting time between the Manitoba Moose and the Winnipeg Jets, and was the best player on the ice for both floundering teams on many nights. Stepping up to the bigs to spell injured Ondrej Pavelec, Hellebuyck outplayed back-up Michael Hutchinson all season long and showed he was ready for full-time duty in the NHL. Though he was sent back down to the AHL upon Pavelec’s return that was only because he did not require waivers, not based on the quality of his play. – Aynsley Scott

April 2015 – Connor Hellebuyck has been called up by the Jets. With the Icecaps on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, Hellebuyck will be the third string goalie to Hutchinson and Pavelec. With the final game against Calgary, perhaps they are looking to give Hellebuyck a taste now that Winnipeg is locked for the playoffs. –Kevin Won

January 2015 – Connor Hellebuyck will be the lone representative for the Icecaps at the AHL All-Star game occuring at the end of the month. 31 games in, Hellebuyck boasts a 17-11-2 record with a strong 2.39 GAA and a 0.927 SV%. As a rookie goaltender, this feat is certainly impressive and the Jets' goalie situation is looking quite good for the future. –Kevin Won

July 2014 – After leaving the NCAA and signing with the Jets, Hellebuyck was invited to join Team USA for the World Cup but he did not play due to David Leggio and Tim Thomas eating the games. Hellebuyck exited the University of Massachusets program two years early after dominating the level with a pair of seasons playing a pair of seasons for 53 games with a 1.60 GAA and .946 SV%. More spectacular, he only lost 12 games and compiled 12 shutouts in those seasons. It would be expected that he serves an apprenticeship in the AHL, but his talent and lack of depth and a currently open backup job open at the NHL level, he could be thrust into a heads up training camp battle with Michael Hutchinson for a big time role. Hellebuyck flies under most people’s radar, don’t make that mistake and watch very prudently what the organization does at the goaltender position as you may stumble onto a gem. Jason Banks

Fantasy Outlook: A

He’s the Jets starting goaltender at 23-years-old. He’s a little inconsistent with his games, but when hot, could be an absolute beast in terms of fantasy hockey value. Until Eric Comrie is ready to compete with him for the starters role, Hellebuyck is a good bet to get starts and solid stats

Footage:

Hellebuyck being awarded the inaugural Mike Richter award in the NCAA.

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